Zeiss rapid z600

moose maniac · #1 09-13-2014, 10:47 PM

Looking for opinions on a zeiss rapid z600 scope pros and cons thanks

elkhunter11 · #2 09-13-2014, 10:52 PM

It can work well, but only if the reticle matches the trajectory of the load that you intend to use.

ceedub · #3 09-14-2014, 06:32 AM

Great glass, I just find the reticle a little "too busy" for some hunting applications.

-Craig

wally338 · #4 09-14-2014, 07:28 AM

Zeiss glass is very good, however Iam not a fan of the rapid-z reticles.

Cowtown guy · #5 09-14-2014, 08:24 AM

I had a rapidZ 800"and I loved it.

I would buy another.

tchardy1972 · #6 09-14-2014, 08:28 AM

The rapid z is one of the best if not the best ballistic reticals on the market. Your eye finds the natural center of the optic for a quick hunting shot and if you use the Zeiss calculator the substentions are bang on.

Takmaster · #7 09-14-2014, 08:29 AM

I enjoy the rapid Z 800 on my .300 WBY... It's not a bush gun so I don't find the reticle too "busy".

waterhaulerhunter · #8 09-14-2014, 08:30 AM

What I don't like about the rapid z is that you have to adjust magnification in order for the reticle to match your ammo you're shooting. If I have a 4-5-14 power scope and I want to shoot something at say 500 yds why would I want to be on 12.5, 11 or whatever magnification that is the ideal one according to their website for your ammo? I want to be on 14 if I'm shooting out that far. Great glass though, just not a fan of the rapid z reticle.

elkhunter11 · #9 09-14-2014, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterhaulerhunter

What I don't like about the rapid z is that you have to adjust magnification in order for the reticle to match your ammo you're shooting. If I have a 4-5-14 power scope and I want to shoot something at say 500 yds why would I want to be on 12.5, 11 or whatever magnification that is the ideal one according to their website for your ammo? I want to be on 14 if I'm shooting out that far. Great glass though, just not a fan of the rapid z reticle.

If you have to adjust the magnification to 11 or 12 for the reticle to be calibrated, the reticle isn't suitable for the load. I have seen people dialing a scope with the RZ 800 reticle down, when the RZ 600 reticle at full magnification, would have been ideal for their load.

Smokinyotes · #10 09-14-2014, 09:38 AM

Myself I prefer the vx3 with CDS over the rapid z reticles.

waterhaulerhunter · #11 09-14-2014, 10:51 AM

Not really the point I was trying to make. If I'm buying a 4.5-14 scope and going to shoot long range then I want to be using 14x. Like I said I like zeiss glass just not a fan of the rapid z reticles. Just giving my opinion, don't need a lecture on it.

vic1 · #12 09-14-2014, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterhaulerhunter

Not really the point I was trying to make. If I'm buying a 4.5-14 scope and going to shoot long range then I want to be using 14x. Like I said I like zeiss glass just not a fan of the rapid z reticles. Just giving my opinion, don't need a lecture on it.

X 2 on this. Even with HD5 3x15 RZ 600 in my 308 win shooting 165 gr it requires to bring magnification to 10.5. On my 270 win shooting 130 gr with 4.5x14 it should be 11.5.

lone wolf · #13 09-14-2014, 11:21 AM

I have the z600 (3.5-10) on my .338 and it is simply awesome !! I have also tried the z800 but found the cross-hairs too thick for my liking, and the reticle was far too busy IMO.

tchardy1972 · #14 09-14-2014, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterhaulerhunter

Not really the point I was trying to make. If I'm buying a 4.5-14 scope and going to shoot long range then I want to be using 14x. Like I said I like zeiss glass just not a fan of the rapid z reticles. Just giving my opinion, don't need a lecture on it.

Sounds like you need a custom dial. There isn't a ballistic retical out there that doesn't work in this manner. Unless your happy with the lines not equaling the exact yardage. (The 500 yard line is actually 478 yards or there abouts.)

Maxwell78 · #15 09-14-2014, 12:00 PM

I have the 3-15 z600 on my 280 and 243. They work awesome

wally338 · #16 09-14-2014, 01:03 PM

A FFP mil or MOA reticle is alway correct regardless of power setting.

tchardy1972 · #17 09-14-2014, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wally338

A FFP mil or MOA reticle is alway correct regardless of power setting.

Yes but you still need to refer to a chart of some sort. Might as well just dial it up.

wally338 · #18 09-14-2014, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tchardy1972

Yes but you still need to refer to a chart of some sort. Might as well just dial it up.

I agree, I prefer to dial my elevation. With a FFP reticle if I miss I can instantly correct my hold regardless of power setting.

sns2 · #19 09-14-2014, 02:07 PM

I had a Rapid Z 800. It was like a Christmas tree in my scope. It went down the road real fast. Replaced it with a Z-Plex in same model. I feel that the Zeiss Z-Plex is as good as it gets.

I'm not gonna tell anyone how to hunt or what to buy. And admittedly, many of the ballistic reticles work very well. My experience is that the more the field of view is busy, the more chance of me screwing up in the moment. All I need to know are three numbers:

1) drop at 300
2) drop at 400
3) drop at 500

When I get too old to remember three numbers, I will tape them on my stock.

Until that point in time, I use the rangefinder in my pocket and adjust holdover accordingly. If I am on a cutline or edge of field, I range various points in the area I am hunting and go from there.

Maybe I am old school, but if you gave me a Huskemaw or Gunwerks "shooting system", or whatever else is being peddled on WildTV, it would be for sale as soon as you walked out the door. Furthest I have ever shot an animal is 400 anyhow. Beyond that, I am trying to get closer. I call it "hunting."

north american hunter · #20 09-14-2014, 02:29 PM

I have zeiss hd5's with rapid z600 on my 257 wby and 300 wsm, I like the reticle, but I also do enjoy the zplex, I like the thickness of the crosshairs.

HunterDave · #21 09-15-2014, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moose maniac

Looking for opinions on a zeiss rapid z600 scope pros and cons thanks

Great scope, I really like the R Z600 on my 30'06. The hash marks on the recticle do what they are supposed to IF you do your part and learn the scope.

1. Make sure that you get the correct Rapid Z for your rifle. R Z600 are developed for use on some rifles, while the R Z800 was developed for others.

2. Use the calculator on the Zeiss site to find the optimum magnification for the ammo that you are using. I have a 3x - 9x power but the optimum power setting is at 7x. Knowing that going into the purchase may help you decide that you might want a scope with a higher magnification.

If you can hold out on your purchase, Zeiss always has some kind of a promotion on them in the Fall......a free Puma knife, or something like that.